Pentosan polysulfate maculopathy: Keep an eye out for this masquerader

Authors

  • Nieraj Jain, MD
  • Emily H. Jung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cect.2022.1211

Abstract

Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) (Elmiron; Janssen Pharmaceuticals), a drug used to treat bladder pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis (IC), has been linked to a distinctive vision-threatening maculopathy. As with the case of hydroxychloroquine maculopathy, it is worthwhile for the general ophthalmologist to be familiar with this potentially preventable condition. In this article, we briefly summarize the evidence supporting this association, review the clinical manifestations of PPS maculopathy, and provide some guidance regarding screening protocols.

Author Biographies

Nieraj Jain, MD

Dr. Nieraj Jain is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his medical degree at the Duke School of Medicine, where he stayed to complete a residency and chief residency. Subsequently, he completed fellowships in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Michigan and ophthalmic genetics at the Casey Eye Institute. His group applies novel imaging and functional testing modalities to assess disease progression and treatment outcomes for rare retinal degenerations. He also studies off-target effects of various FDA-approved therapies, and his group was the first to describe pentosan polysulfate maculopathy.

Emily H. Jung

Emily is a fourth-year medical student at Emory University School of Medicine and a research student of Dr. Jain. She completed her undergraduate studies in history of science at Harvard University.

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Published

2022-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Jain N, Jung EH. Pentosan polysulfate maculopathy: Keep an eye out for this masquerader. Can Eye Care Today [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 May 17];1(2):22–25. Available from: https://canadianeyecaretoday.com/article/view/1-2-3

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Volume 1, Issue 2, September 2022

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